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This document was updated on 29 October 2025. Learn what has changed.

Guidance: Application for variation
29 October 2025   Published
21 March 2025   Published

Introduction

Varying your registration as a registered provider

As a provider of aged care services, you can apply for a variation of your registration by completing the Application for variation form (variation form). With this form, you can request to:

  • register in a new provider registration category

  • remove a category from your registration 

  • vary or revoke a Commission imposed condition of registration

  • have the Commission impose a new condition of registration.

If you are a registered in Category 6: Residential care, or applying to add Category 6 to your registration, you can also:

  • add an approved residential care home to your registration (this can include applying to have a new residential care home approved) 

  • remove an approved residential care home from your registration

  • vary the total number of beds covered by the approval of a residential care home

  • revoke the approval of a residential care home.

Purpose of this guidance material

This guidance material will help you complete a variation form. It includes:

  • information regarding the registration variation application process

  • references to specific provisions in the Aged Care Act 2024 and Aged Care Rules 2025 (these references are for guidance only and a question in the variation form may relate to other provisions or laws)

  • explanatory notes to help you understand the intent of a question so that you can provide an accurate and relevant response

  • guidance on the evidence expected to support you to complete your application (this is in addition to the guidance given in the variation form for some questions).

This guidance material does not provide explanatory notes or additional guidance on the evidence expected for questions in the variation form that are clear and self-explanatory. This will be specified where applicable.

Refer to the Commission’s glossary for definitions of key terms used throughout this guidance material.

Variation application process

Before you apply

Before you apply to vary your registration, make sure that you understand what is expected of you. This guidance material and the following resources will help you:

Application fee

The Commission’s Cost Recovery Implementation Statement (CRIS) 2025–26 will outline any application fees to be paid when applying for a variation of registration. Where a fee applies, the Commission does not have to accept the application for variation of registration if that fee has not been paid. 

Apply using the approved form

You must complete and submit your application for variation of registration using the approved form available on the Commission’s website. If you do not use the approved form, your application for variation of registration will not be accepted. 

You will not be able to make changes to the variation form once it is submitted. If you need to change any information given in your variation form, send an email to registrar.applications@agedcarequality.gov.au explaining the circumstances. Include your contact details in the email.

You may withdraw your application for variation of registration at any time before the Commission makes a decision on it. To withdraw your application, send an email to registrar.applications@agedcarequality.gov.au. Include your contact details in the email.

Completing the variation form

Check that you have completed all fields and answered all questions that are relevant to you. Ensure your responses:

  • are clear and contain detailed information 

  • demonstrate a strong understanding of the requirements for the proposed variations you are applying to be made to your registration

  • if you are applying to remove a category, demonstrate your commitment to continuity of care (outline the impact that the removal will have on the older people you provide services to in that category).

  • if you are applying to add a new category, detail your relevant experience and suitability related to delivering aged care services in that category (e.g., your understanding of the Statement of Rights and how to act compatibly with it)

  • provide information that is specific to you or your organisation

  • do not rely on artificial intelligence or prefabricated responses

  • demonstrate how you or your organisation will deliver aged care services within your operating context

  • demonstrate you have understood this guidance material and applied it to your own circumstances.

During the application process

During the application process, we will assess whether you meet the requirements applicable to the variation you are applying for. This may include:

  • registration category specific requirements

  • residential care home approval requirements

  • provisions relating to conditions of registration

Your application to vary your registration will only be approved if you can demonstrate that you meet all the requirements applicable to the proposed variations.

If you are applying to add categories 4, 5, and/or 6 to your registration, the Commission will conduct an audit against the Aged Care Quality Standards. However, an audit will not be conducted if you qualify for an exemption. More information on the audit process can be found here.

If more details are needed to assess your application, the Commission may request further information from you before making a decision on your application.

If a refusal of your application for variation of registration is being considered (e.g., due to unmet requirements), the Commission will issue you with a Notice of Possible Refusal. This will give you an opportunity to address the concerns outlined in that notice. If necessary, more than one Notice of Possible Refusal may be issued to you for different matters before the Commission makes a decision on your application.

Registration variation decision

Once a decision is made on your application for variation of registration, the outcome will be notified to you via a Notice of Decision within 14 days.

If your application is approved, certain details about your registration will be updated on the Provider Register. Some of this information will be published on the Commission’s website.

Certain kinds of decisions about your application for variation of registration are reviewable decisions. These are decisions that you can request to have the Commission reconsider. More information about the reconsideration process can be found here.

Part A: Applicant details

Section 1: Registered provider details
These questions relate to section 124(1) and (2) of the Aged Care Act 2024

Questions 1.1 to 2.2 

No additional guidance is provided for these questions. Refer to the variation form for instructions.

Part B: Register in a new provider registration category

Section 1: Type of service delivery
These questions relate to sections 109(2) and 124(1)(a) of the Aged Care Act 2024

Questions 1.1 to 1.3 

This section requires you to identify each:

  • provider registration category that you are applying to add to your registration 

  • service group you plan on delivering services through 

  • specialist aged care program you plan on delivering services through.

For each chosen provider registration category, you will need to complete the corresponding 'category specific requirements' questions. For Category 4 and Category 5 you will also need to complete the questions for 'Add a care delivery location'. These can be found after ‘Appendix 1: Suitability matters’ in the variation form. 

For example, if you have applied for ‘Category 1: Home and community services’ you will need to complete the questions in ‘Category 1 specific requirements’. 

There are specific requirements related to the delivery of some service types that may impact your response to some category specific requirements questions. 

Specialist aged care programs

Question 1.3 relates to specialist aged care programs. If you are preparing to provide aged care services in one or more of the specialist aged care programs, you may be eligible to apply for funding support.

The Australian Government provides support in the form of subsidies and supplements, capital grants and program funding to help to ensure equitable access to aged care services for all older Australians. More information can be found on the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website.

Section 2: Multi-purpose services
These questions relate to sections 109(2)(e) and (4) of the Aged Care Act 2024 and section 109-10 of the Aged Care Rules 2025

Questions 2.1 to 2.3

Ordinarily, we will audit you against the Aged Care Quality Standards if you are applying to add the following categories to your registration:

  • 4 – Personal care and care support in the home or community

  • 5 – Nursing and transition care

  • 6 – Residential care.

However, your response to questions 2.1 to 2.3 helps us to determine if you do not need to undergo an audit. 

In some cases, an audit may not be required if you:

  • are accredited under the Australian Health Services Safety and Quality Accreditation Scheme

  • were assessed as able to comply with the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards and (if relevant) the Integrated Aged Care Module that are equivalent to the Aged Care Quality Standards applicable at the time related to the registration category you are applying for.

If you selected ‘Yes’ for questions 2.1 and 2.2., you must provide documentation of your:

  • accreditation under the Australian Health Services Safety and Quality Accreditation Scheme

  • assessment against the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards and (if relevant) the Integrated Aged Care Module.

Section 3: Aged care digital platforms
These questions relate to sections 187(1) and 189(1)(a) of the Aged Care Act 2024

Questions 3.1 to 3.3

You must indicate whether you will deliver services through an aged care digital platform.

An aged care digital platform is an online enabled application, website or system operated to facilitate the delivery of services in the Commonwealth aged care system (regardless of whether the services are government-subsidised or self-funded) by:

  • connecting older people seeking aged care services with entities providing these services

  • managing the financial aspects of these aged care services (e.g., processing fees for the facilitation of these services).

Aged care digital platform operators have specific obligations under the Aged Care Act 2024.

Part C: Remove provider from being registered in a registration category

Section 1: Registration categories to be removed from your registration
These questions relate to section 124(1)(b) of the Aged Care Act 2024

Questions 1.1 to 1.12

The date that you provide in your response is the date that you intend for the removal of the selected category from your registration to take effect. This may differ from the actual date on which the removal of the category takes effect. For example, more time may be needed for us to consider and be satisfied of continuity of care matters before deciding to remove the category from your registration.  

If you are intending to remove all the categories that you registered in and stop delivering funded aged care services entirely, do not complete the variation form. Instead, request to have your registration revoked by completing a Request for registration revocation form.

This question relates to section 124(1)(b) of the Aged Care Act 2024

Question 1.13 

Your choice to remove a category from your registration is a significant change to your organisation and may impact the remaining aged care services that you deliver.  

We encourage you to disclose the reasons for making this choice so that we can provide appropriate support for the delivery of your remaining aged care services. 

If you have many reasons for choosing to remove a category from your registration, your response should identify and provide details about the most significant reasons. You may also indicate whether those reasons will continue to impact your business even after the category is removed. 

The following is a list of things that may influence a choice to remove a category. These are examples only and your response should be specific to your circumstances. 

Financial 

  • Funding for operations (e.g., a parent or holding company reducing or withdrawing all financial support)

  • Declining or insufficient revenues to cover costs

  • Increasing costs (e.g., wages for 24/7 registered nurses). 

Aged Care Sector

  • Decreasing demand for services in the locations you operate 

  • Difficulties in competing against other providers

Operational 

  • Service delivery issues (e.g., no longer having an arrangement with an associated provider to deliver services on your behalf)

  • Staffing issues (e.g., loss of responsible persons or workforce shortages in remote areas) 

  • Issues with compliance (e.g., in relation to the Aged Care Quality Standards).

Strategic 

  • Business restructuring (e.g., selling business units to another provider).

You may include attachments to support your response.

Section 2: Older people affected by removing registration category
Section 2.1: Arrangements for all categories
These questions relate to section 149(c) of the Aged Care Act 2024

Questions 2.1.1. to 2.1.2

If you are applying to remove any category from 1 to 5 from your registration

Your response to these questions helps us to understand:

  • the extent of any effect that a removal of the category will have on older people who access related services from you (if any)

  • your plans to manage any risks associated with those services no longer being provided.

If you are applying to remove category 6 from your registration

Do not complete Section 2: Older people affected by removing registration category. Instead, complete the following additional forms that can be found at the end of the variation form:

  • Revoke approval of a residential care home; and/or

  • Request to remove approved residential care home from registration.

For question 2.1.1, this estimate may be informed by the number of older people:

  • who are accessing funded aged care services from you and will experience a difference in their usual service delivery in that category

  • who are not currently accessing funded aged care services from you in that category but have plans to. 

For question 2.1.2, your explanation should include:

  • the processes you followed to determine the number you gave for question 2.1.1

  • an assessment of the impact on each affected older person or group of older people

  • alternative care options available to affected older people and how they will be informed about these

  • plans to transition out of delivering care under that category (this includes plans to mitigate against any risks to affected older people)

  • any other relevant information.

You may include attachments to support your response.

This question relates to sections 149(c) and 167 of the Aged Care Act 2024 and corresponding sections of the Aged Care Rules 2025

Question 2.1.3

Your response to this question needs to demonstrate that you:

  • understand all the notice requirements under the Aged Care Act 2024 that relate to stopping services that are applicable to you

  • have arrangements in place to ensure you meet those notice requirements.

Depending on your circumstances, you may need to provide notice of various matters to different parties which may include:

  • us

  • the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing 

  • older people you deliver services to

  • others.

Example
ABC Pty Ltd, a registered provider, delivers services under all provider registration categories. ABC Pty Ltd intends to stop providing services under Category 4: Personal care and care support in the home or community. ABC Pty Ltd understands that a change in circumstances notification must be submitted to us about this within 14 days and arranges to do so.

Later, ABC Pty Ltd applies to have Category 4 removed from their registration. We approve this application. ABC Pty Ltd understands that they must provide a cessation notification to affected older persons and that this must also be given to us and the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing within 28 days after those services stop. ABC Pty Ltd also arranges to do this within time. 

Section 2.2: Arrangements for categories 4 or 5

Questions 2.2.1 to 2.2.3

We will only make a decision to remove Category 4 and/or Category 5 from your registration if we consider it is appropriate to do so in all the circumstances.

Accordingly, we need to understand the arrangements you have to ensure continuity of care for the older people who are currently receiving services from you under Category 4 and/or Category 5 (if any).

These arrangements must be compatible with the Statement of Rights.

Your responses should describe how you will:

  • identify all relevant factors affecting the continuity of care for an older person (e.g., assessing ongoing care needs and consulting with older people to understand their needs and perspectives)

  • support older people to transition to another provider of aged care services to obtain the care they need (e.g., identifying alternative providers, making the older person aware of them, and empowering the older person in their choice of what services they access)

  • engage with that other provider (e.g., in relation to the timing of transition arrangements and the sharing of records relating to an older person such as care plans)

  • identify risks and managed them (e.g., ensuring older people from culturally diverse backgrounds can continue to communicate in their preferred language).

You should provide at least 2 deidentified examples of continuity of care plans for older people affected by a removal of Category 4 and/or 5 from your registration. You may also include other attachments to support your response.

Part D: Request to vary condition(s) of registration

Section 1 to Section 3
These questions relate to section124(1)(c) and 143 of the Aged Care Act 2024

Questions 1.1 to 3.3

If there are more than 3 conditions that you would like to apply to have varied, include an attachment that addresses the same questions for those other conditions. 

You can only apply to vary a condition that was imposed under section 143 of the Aged Care Act 2024. These are conditions that are imposed based on a decision made by the Commission and not conditions of registration that automatically apply to you under the Aged Care Act 2024.

Your response to these questions helps us to understand how you would like a condition of your registration to be varied and whether that variation is appropriate in all the circumstances.

We ordinarily impose a condition on a provider’s registration to assist with the management of risks, harms or issues in the delivery of aged care services. Accordingly, we will consider the circumstances around such risks, harms or issues before deciding to vary or not vary a condition.

When stating the condition that you are applying to have varied, use the exact same words used in the Provider Register as published on our website. This helps us to identify the correct condition.

When stating how you would like the condition to be varied, be clear on how this differs from the original condition and how the varied condition should be described. For example, if the condition states that you can only provide: 

  • services in 2 local government areas, you can request a specific local government area(s) to be added 

  • 2 service types within Category 4, you can request for a specific service type(s) to be added.

Your reasons for the variation should relate directly to the original condition and why it was imposed. This may include:

  • changes to the circumstances around the issues the original condition was designed to address (e.g., a significant reduction in risks, harms or issues related to the condition)

  • what action you have taken to comply with the original condition and the effect this has had (e.g., substantial and sustained compliance with additional reporting requirements which improved transparency) 

  • an assessment showing that the condition as varied is more proportionate to current circumstances around risks, harms or issues than the original condition

  • any other relevant information.

You may include attachments to support your response (e.g., audit and external review documents).

Part E: Request to revoke condition(s) of registration

Section 1 to Section 3
These questions relate to sections 124(1)(c) and 143 of the Aged Care Act 2024

Questions 1.1 to 3.2

If there are more than 3 conditions that you would like to apply to have removed, include an attachment that addresses the same questions for those other conditions. 

You can only apply to remove a condition that was imposed under section 143 of the Aged Care Act 2024. These are conditions that are imposed based on a decision made by the Commission and not conditions of registration that automatically apply to you under the Aged Care Act 2024.

Your response to these questions helps us to understand why you would like a condition of your registration to be removed and whether the removal is appropriate in all the circumstances.

We ordinarily impose a condition on a provider’s registration to assist with the management of risks, harms or issues in the delivery of aged care services. Accordingly, we will consider the circumstances around such risks, harms or issues before deciding to remove or not remove a condition.

When stating the condition that you are applying to have removed, use the exact same words used in the Provider Register as published on our website. This helps us to identify the correct condition.

Your reasons for the removal of the condition should relate directly to the condition and why it was imposed. This may include:

  • changes to the circumstances around the issues the condition was designed to address (e.g., an elimination in risks, harms or issues related to the condition)

  • what action you have taken to comply with the condition and the effect this has had (e.g., full and sustained compliance with additional reporting requirements which improved transparency) 

  • an assessment showing that removing the condition is more proportionate to current circumstances around risks, harms and issues than keeping it

  • any other relevant information.

You may include attachments to support your response (e.g., audit and external review documents).

Part F: Declaration

These questions relate to section 591 of the Aged Care Act 2024

Questions 4.1 to 4.5

No additional guidance is provided for these questions. Refer to the application form for instructions.

Category 1 specific requirements

Service types and service coverage

These questions relate to section 109(2) of the Aged Care Act 2024

Questions 1.1 to 2.1

No additional guidance is provided for these questions. Refer to the variation form for instructions.

For guidance on other questions specific to this category, please see Guidance applicable to Category 1 - 6 specific requirements.

Category 2 specific requirements

Service types and service coverage

These questions relate to section 109(2) of the Aged Care Act 2024

Questions 1.1 to 2.1

No additional guidance is provided for these questions. Refer to the variation form for instructions.

For guidance on other questions specific to this category, please see Guidance applicable to Category 1 - 6 specific requirements.

Category 3 specific requirements

Service types and service coverage

These questions relate to section 109(2) of the Aged Care Act 2024

Questions 1.1 to 2.1

No additional guidance is provided for these questions. Refer to the variation form for instructions.

For guidance on other questions specific to this category, please see Guidance applicable to Category 1 - 6 specific requirements.

Category 4 specific requirements

Service types and service coverage

These questions relate to section 109(2) of the Aged Care Act 2024 and section 109-25 of the Aged Care Rules 2025

Questions 1.1 to 2.1

There are specific requirements related to the delivery of some service types that may impact your response. 

Delivery to certain persons through the service group home support

Review whether you will be delivering services to a person who has either of the following that is in effect:

  • an access approval for the classification type ongoing for the service group home support

  • the classification level Support at Home end-of-life pathway for the classification type short-term for the service group home support.

If either of the above circumstances apply to you, then you must:

  • apply for registration in Category 4: Personal care and care support in the home or community and meet the relevant registration requirements (check your response to question 1.1 of Part B: Register in a new provider registration category)

  • intend to deliver the service type ‘care management’ to that person.

These requirements do not apply if you intend to deliver funded aged care services:

  • in registration Category 6: Residential care; and/or

  • only under a specialist aged care program.

Delivery of restorative care management

Review whether you intend to deliver funded aged care services in the service type ‘restorative care management’ in Category 4. If so, then you must also intend to deliver funded aged care services in the service type ‘allied health and therapy’.

This requirement does not apply if you intend to deliver funded aged care services:

  • in registration Category 6: Residential care; and/or

  • only under a specialist aged care program.

For guidance on other questions specific to this category, please see Guidance applicable to Category 1 - 6 specific requirements.

Category 5 specific requirements

Service types and service coverage

These questions relate to section 109(2) of the Aged Care Act 2024

Questions 1.1 to 2.1

No additional guidance is provided for these questions. Refer to the variation form for instructions.

For guidance on other questions specific to this category, please see Guidance applicable to Category 1 - 6 specific requirements.

Category 6 specific requirements

Service types and service coverage
These questions relate to section 109(2) of the Aged Care Act 2024

Questions 1.1 to 2.1

If you are applying in registration Category 6: Residential care you must deliver all the service types within that category.

For guidance on other questions specific to this category, please see Guidance applicable to Category 1 - 6 specific requirements.

Managing refundable deposits
This question relates to Chapter 4, Part 4, Division 7 of the Aged Care Act 2024

Question 2.5

Your response to this question helps us to understand how you will handle the refundable deposits (RDs) of older people you are delivering residential aged care services to. RDs are a significant financial obligation and must be managed in accordance with legal, ethical, and financial standards to protect the interests of older people and maintain public trust.

Your response should include the policies, procedures and systems you have in place to manage RDs. This includes how you will:

  • accept and hold RDs, including the process for offering RD and daily accommodation payment options

  • ensure an older person’s net assets remain above the minimum permissible asset value

  • comply with relevant requirements (e.g., sections 307 and 308 of the Aged Care Act 2024), particularly in relation to the deduction of fees or amounts from the RD balance, including retention amounts

  • manage deductions and compliance with permitted uses and how this is communicated to older people or their representatives

  • process refunds of RD balances within required timeframes and determine if and when interest is payable

  • manage the transfer of balances of RDs where an older person moves to another approved residential aged care home operated by a different registered provider

  • implement financial controls and management systems, including reconciliation, internal reviews and appropriate oversight

  • structure invoice, payment and service reconciliation processes to support accurate financial management

  • handle payment disputes fairly, promptly and in line with internal dispute resolution processes

  • communicate clearly with older people or their representatives, ensuring they understand their rights and obligations related to RDs, including through written agreements and accessible information.

  • ensure governance oversight of RD management by your board (if applicable), including regular reporting.

Guidance applicable to Category 1 – 6 specific requirements

Registration requirements
These questions relate to sections 23, 24 and 109(2)(b) of the Aged Care Act 2024

Category 1 – 5 specific requirements - Questions 3.1 to 3.4
Category 6 specific requirements - Questions 2.1 to 2.4 

This explanatory note applies to each provider registration category.

Your response to these questions helps us to understand whether you are suitable to deliver funded aged care services in the provider registration category that you have applied to add to your registration and according to your intended service types.

To understand your commitment, capability and capacity, we may also look at other parts of your application, your audit (if applicable) and information that we already have about you.

Commitment relates to actions that you have taken, the work you are progressing and plans that you will implement to maintain your position as a provider of aged care services, with a focus on the older person and respect for their rights.   

Capability relates to your ability to deliver quality and safe aged care services, independent of external influences. Your abilities are based on things such as your internal systems (including governance structures), staff competencies, and policies and procedures that support the delivery of aged care that focuses on the older person.   

Capacity relates to external constraints (including market forces such as workforce availability) and the extent that they impact on your ability to deliver quality and safe aged care services, and your strategy to overcome such challenges.

Other parts of your application

To save on repeating information here, you may make reference to responses and evidence given for other questions in your application that are relevant to your commitment, capability and capacity. However, ensure that you reflect on how those other areas of your application directly relate to the chosen provider registration category and intended service types. 

Applying for multiple provider registration categories 

If you are applying to add multiple provider registration categories, parts of your response and evidence given for one category may be applicable to another category. Accordingly, there may be similarities between your responses for different categories. However, you should ensure that your responses are specific to the relevant category and intended service types.

Evidence of commitment, capability and capacity 

Evidence of your commitment may include:

  • early engagement with the aged care community in your location relevant to the provider registration category and intended service types
  • investment in property, plant and equipment specific to the provider registration category and intended service types
  • agreements or negotiations with associated providers in anticipation of being registered in the chosen provider registration category
  • advertisements for recruitment of staff (e.g., registered nurses)
  • business plans (e.g., immediate actions you will take if you are registered in the chosen provider registration category)
  • training resources (e.g., on acting compatibly with the Statement of Rights)
  • other things that relate to establishing yourself as a provider of aged care services in the chosen provider registration category.

Evidence of your capability may include:

  • documents relating to the suitability of your staff to deliver your intended service types (e.g., having a nursing team experienced in delivering residential clinical care)
  • the systems used to support service delivery (e.g., business management software)
  • policies and procedures to support service delivery (e.g., an infection prevention and control policy or policy for respecting the cultural background of older people)
  • plans for maintaining the quality of aged care services over time (e.g., if there is an increase to how many older people you deliver aged care services)
  • other things that relate to your ability to deliver aged care services, independent of external influences. 

Evidence of your capacity will first require an awareness of external constraints that impact your ability to deliver quality and safe aged care services. This may include:

  • availability of workforce (e.g., difficulties in attracting registered nurses into aged care)
  • location (e.g., if you intend to operate in a remote area)
  • potential for sources of funding to be reduced or ceased entirely (e.g., if a parent company decides to withdraw financial support)
  • potential increases in operating expenses (e.g., cost of clinical care equipment or fees charged by an associated provider)
  • a reduction in clientele and therefore revenue (e.g., due to a competitive local market for aged care services). 

Evidence of how you will respond to such constraints may include: 

  • arrangements for the use of agency staff or on call professionals when needed
  • workforce recruitment and staff retention strategies
  • contingency plans to acquire alternative funding or credit
  • business continuity plans

  • other things that relate to your ability to overcome external constraints on your ability to deliver aged care services. 

Right-based approach and the Statement of Rights

Your responses must also include how you will:

  • embed a rights-based approach in the design of your operations and delivery of services to older people
  • monitor and evaluate your activities to ensure that you are acting compatibly with those rights.

A rights-based approach is an approach to delivering funded aged care services that recognises and is compatible with an older person’s right to:

  • independence, autonomy, empowerment and freedom of choice when making decisions about themselves
  • equitable access to services
  • receive quality and safe funded aged care services
  • have their personal privacy and information respected
  • have communication centre on them and their preferences, and the ability to raise issues without reprisal
  • have advocates, significant persons and social connections.

For more information about the Statement of Rights, click here.

Add a Care delivery location

Section 1 and Section 2
These questions relate to section 109(1)(b)(vi) of the Aged Care Act 2024

Questions 1.1 to 2.15

Your response to these questions helps:

  • us to understand your business model

  • inform our audit approach if you are adding Category 4 and/or Category 5 to your registration.

A care delivery location may be:

  • new (i.e., not previously used to deliver funded aged care services)

  • an existing location (e.g., transferred to you as part of a merger or acquisition). 

Section 3 and Section 4
These questions relate to section 109(1)(b)(vi) of the Aged Care Act 2024

Questions 3.1 to 4.2

No additional guidance is provided for these questions. Refer to the variation form for instructions.

Add a residential care home

Section 1: Approval status of residential care home
This question relates to sections 109(2), 111 and 124(1)(e) of the Aged Care Act 2024

Question 1.1

To deliver funded aged care services in Category 6: Residential care, you will need to have at least one approved residential care home. 

 

Whether you are already registered in Category 6 or applying to add Category 6 to your registration, your response to this question helps us to understand whether you are adding a residential care home(s) that is either:

  • already approved; or 

  • not yet approved (i.e., you are also applying to have it approved alongside your application to vary your registration). 

Section 2: Residential care home details
These questions relate to section 109(2) of the Aged Care Act 2024

Questions 2.1 to 2.17

No additional guidance is provided for these questions. Refer to the variation form for instructions.

Section 3: Currently approved residential care home
These questions relate to sections 109(2)(c) and 124(1)(e) and (4) of the Aged Care Act 2024

Questions 3.1 to 3.7

Your response to this question helps us to understand how an existing approved residential care home will be transferred to you from another registered provider. This information is needed so that we can be sure there are appropriate arrangements to ensure continuity of care for any older people affected by that transfer.

These arrangements must be compatible with the Statement of Rights.
 

Your response to question 3.7 should include: 

  • the date of the transfer

  • how you will identify all relevant factors affecting the continuity of care for older people at the home (e.g., assessing ongoing care needs, including consulting with older people to understand their needs and perspectives)

  • how you will engage with the provider transferring the home (e.g., in relation to the timing of transition arrangements and the sharing of records relating to an older person such as care plans)

  • how you will identify risks and manage them (e.g., ensuring older people from culturally diverse backgrounds can continue to communicate in their preferred language)

  • details about any older people that will leave or enter the home during the transfer process and how you will support them (e.g., identifying alternative providers, making the older person aware of them, and empowering the older person in their choice of what services they access)

  • details about the ownership of or right to use the premises the home is located (e.g., whether title to the property is also be transferred)

  • operational matters (e.g., whether staffing at the home will change) 

  • any other relevant details.

You may also include attachments to support your response (e.g., project plans for the transfer process).

Section 4: Application for approval of a residential care home
Section 4.1 and Section 4.2
These questions relate to section 109(2) and Division 2, Part 2, Chapter 3 of the Aged Care Act 2024, and section 113-5 of the Aged Care Rules 2025

Questions 4.1.1 to 4.2.5 

When applying to have a residential care home approved, we also need to know whether you own or do not own the premises it is located on. If you are not the owner, we will need to know details about the owner and be satisfied that they have agreed to the premises being used as a residential care home. 

If you selected ‘No’ to question 4.1.1, you must answer questions 4.2.1 to 4.2.5. Also make sure that you provide documents relating to your agreement with the owner of the premises to use it as a residential care home (e.g., a lease agreement). 

Section 4.3: Residential care home occupancy
These questions relate to sections 109(2) and 113 of the Aged Care Act 2024

Questions 4.3.1 to 4.3.3

The ‘maximum number of people that can live in the residential care home’ may be found in certificates or other documents that specify or relate to the:

  • number of beds in the building(s) that make up the residential care home; or
  • total number of people that may occupy or live in the building(s) that make up the residential care home.

The ‘total number of beds to be covered by the approval’ is the number of beds that you want to us to specify as being covered by the approval of the residential care home. That number must be equal to, or less than, any maximum number of people that can live in the residential care home.
 

Make sure to include in your attachments the certificate of occupancy or equivalent certificate known by a different name, or any other document that specifies or relates to the:

  • number of beds in the residential care home; or
  • total number of individuals that may occupy or live in the residential care home.

If the certificate of occupancy or related documents are not available at the time of your application, but you can give us all the other required information about the residential care home, you will need to:

  • tell us that the certificate of occupancy or related documents are not yet available  
  • give us these documents once they are available.

During this time, we may start assessing your application, however, we cannot make a decision to approve the residential care home until these documents have been given to us.    

Section 4.4: Building details
These questions relate to sections 109(2) and 113 of the Aged Care Act 2024

Questions 4.4.1 to 4.4.3

If your residential aged care home does not match any of the listed care home types, select ‘Other’ and provide a description at question 4.4.2.

If you selected ‘Other’ to question 4.4.1, you must provide supporting documents (e.g., a building configuration map).

This question relates to sections 109(2) and 113 of the Aged Care Act 2024, and section 113-5 of the Aged Care Rules 2025

Question 4.4.4

We need to understand the overall preparedness and appropriateness of the building(s) in its use as a residential care home to be satisfied that it will not present a risk to the delivery of quality and safe residential care.

You should also consider:

Your description should address:

  • the physical structure and design of the building(s) 

  • how the fixtures and furnishings of the building(s) are conducive to the delivery of quality, safe, suitable, and comfortable accommodation for older people

  • your staffing strategy for the building(s) to ensure there is an appropriate level of care and supervision for older people residing there (including the 24/7 registered nurse responsibility, unless exempt).

You may also include attachments to support your response. This may include documents relating to the building(s) such as:

  • floor plans and layouts

  • interior design plans

  • accessibility assessment reports

  • health and safety plans, including infection control and emergency responses

  • staffing plans 

  • maintenance schedules.

This question relates to sections 109(2) and 113 of the Aged Care Act 2024

Question 4.4.5

Your response to this question helps us to understand the building codes, standards and laws that apply to the residential care home. There may be a range of requirements across different jurisdictions (e.g., local, state or federal).

At a minimum, a building(s) used as residential care home must meet the standards for Class 3 or Class 9a or 9c as outlined in the National Construction Code.
 

Your description should address any:

  • compliance assessments that have been completed or are in progress 

  • issues or concerns raised in relation to compliance with applicable building codes, standards and laws

  • other relevant information. 

You may also include attachments to support your response. This may include documents relating to the building(s) such as:

  • approved development applications

  • approved contractor agreements

  • compliance certificates. 

This question relates to sections 109(2) and 113 of the Aged Care Act 2024

Question 4.4.6

You will need to disclose any density restrictions on the land. This is usually determined by state and/or local planning legislation and zoning requirements.

You may also include attachments to support your response. This may include documents relating to the building(s) such as:

  • zoning certificates issued by the local council

  • local environment plans (LEPs).

Section 5: Assign a responsible person
These questions relate to sections 109(2) and 111 of the Aged Care Act 2024

Questions 5.1 to 5.2

No additional guidance is provided for these questions. Refer to the variation form for instructions.

Request to vary the total number of beds of an approved residential care home

Section 1: Residential care home details
These questions relate to section 137 of the Aged Care Act 2024

Questions 1.1 and 1.2

No additional guidance is provided for these questions. Refer to the variation form for instructions.

These questions relate to sections 137 and 141 of the Aged Care Act 2024

Questions 1.3 to 1.5 

Your response to these questions helps us to understand the bed number characteristics of the approved residential care home. 

For question 1.3, the maximum number of people that can live in a residential care home is stated in the certificate of occupancy for the building(s) that it is comprised of.

For question 1.4, the current total number of beds is the number of beds covered by the approval of the residential care home. This is equal to or lesser than the number stated in the certificate of occupancy. This information would have been notified to you when the home was initially approved and is also included on the Provider Register. You can request access to information about yourself that is on the Provider Register from the Commission by emailing registrar.applications@agedcarequality.gov.au.

For question 1.5, the number you provide must relate to the date that the variation of the total number of beds would take effect on, not the date of you submitted your application. Use your response to question 1.6 for this purpose. 

Make sure to include in your attachments the certificate of occupancy.

These questions relate to section 137 of the Aged Care Act 2024

Questions 1.6 to 1.8 

The date that you provide in your response is the date that you intend for the variation in the number of beds covered by the approval of the residential care home to take effect. However, the variation is a decision that will be made by us. If we decide to vary the number of beds, the date that decision takes effect may be different from the date you have specified.

If you are applying to increase the total number of beds (see your response to question 1.4), your response to question 1.8 should include:

  • confirmation that the total number does not exceed the maximum occupancy for the building(s) that comprise the approved residential care home

  • why an increase in the number of beds is needed (e.g., an expansion of your business). 

If you are applying to reduce the total number of beds (see your response to question 1.4), your response to question 1.8 must include:

  • evidence that the number of beds available at the approved residential care home is likely to be reduced for at least 2 years (e.g., because of major renovations or damage caused by a natural disaster). 
Section 2: Ownership
Section 2.1: Home ownership
These questions relate to section 113 of the Aged Care Act 2024 and section 113-5 of the Aged Care Rules 2025

Questions 2.1.1 to 2.1.2

A requirement for the approval of a residential care home is that the provider either:

  • owns the premises the home is located on

    OR

  • has permission from the owner to use the premises as a residential care home.

If you do not own the premises that the home is located on, we need to be sure that the owner agrees to the variation to the number of beds covered by the approval of the home. 

Attach any documents showing that the owner agrees to the variation to the number of beds covered by the approval of the home. 

Revoke approval of a residential care home

Section 1: Residential care home details
These questions relate to section 138(2) of the Aged Care Act 2024

Questions 1.1 to 1.2

No additional guidance is provided for these questions. Refer to the variation form for instructions.

These questions relate to sections 138(2) and (3) of the Aged Care Act 2024

Questions 1.3 to 1.4

The date that you provide in your response is the date that you intend for the revocation of the approval of the residential care home to take effect. However, the revocation of the approval is decision that will be made by us. If we decide to revoke the approval, the date that decision takes effect may be different from the date you have specified.

It is important that we also understand your reasons for requesting to have the approval of the home revoked. This will inform our assessment as to whether you have appropriate arrangements to ensure continuity of care for older people at the home.  

Your response to question 1.4 should include:

  • details about the reasons for your request (e.g., also applying to remove Category 6 from your registration, financial viability issues related to the home, etc.)

  • why alternative action is not appropriate (e.g., removing the home from your registration so that it can be sold to another provider)

  • any other relevant information. 

You may also include attachments to support your response (e.g., documents related to being unable to sell the home).

Section 2: Older people affected by removing residential care home from registration
These questions relate to section 138(3) of the Aged Care Act 2024

Questions 2.1 to 2.2 

We will only make a decision to revoke the approval of a residential care home if there are appropriate arrangements in place to ensure continuity of care for older people at the home. 

To assess whether there are appropriate arrangements, we need to understand how many older people you deliver funded aged care services to at the home and how many may be affected if the approval of the home is revoked.

For questions 2.1 and 2.2, the numbers you provide may be informed by the number of older people:

  • who are accessing funded aged care services from you at the home (including people accessing respite services) 

  • who are not currently accessing funded aged care services from you at the home but have plans to (e.g., they have reserved beds). 

These questions relate to sections 23, 138(3) and 149(g) of the Aged Care Act 2024

Questions 2.3 to 2.5

We will only make a decision to revoke the approval of a residential care home if there are appropriate arrangements in place to ensure continuity of care for older people at the home.

 

These arrangements must be compatible with the Statement of Rights.

Your responses should describe how you will:

  • identify all relevant factors affecting the continuity of care for an older person (e.g., assessing ongoing care needs, including consulting with older people to understand their needs and perspectives)

  • support older people to transition to another provider of aged care services to obtain the care they need (e.g., identifying alternative providers, making the older person aware of them, and empowering the older person in their choice of what services they access)

  • engage with that other provider (e.g., in relation to the timing of transition arrangements and the sharing of records relating to an older person such as care plans)

  • identify risks and managed them (e.g., ensuring older people from culturally diverse backgrounds can continue to communicate in their preferred language).

You should provide at least 3 deidentified examples of continuity of care plans for older people affected by a revocation of the approval of the home. You may also include other attachments to support your response.

This question relates to section 149 of the Aged Care Act 2024 and corresponding sections of the Aged Care Rules 2025

Question 2.6 

An older person residing at an approved residential care home has security over their tenure at the home. This means that a provider cannot take action to make the older person leave the home, or imply that they must leave the home, except under specific circumstances. 

 

You must act compatibly with an older person’s security of tenure at an approved residential care home and requirements under the Aged Care Act 2024. 

 

When assessing your request to revoke your registration, we need to understand how you will ensure affected older people will:

  • have security of tenure at a home maintained; or
  • be transitioned to other appropriate services. 

Your response may include how you will:

  • ensure the removal of the older person from the home is permitted under the Aged Care Act 2024 and related laws

  • ensure suitable and affordable alternative accommodation is available to the older person with another provider who can suit their needs or in a place more suited to their long-term needs

  • assess the older person’s needs 

  • notify the older person (including making their rights clear to them)

  • prepare a continuity of care plan for the older person.

Provide relevant attachments that demonstrate processes to ensure security of tenure.

This question relates to section 138(3) of the Aged Care Act 2024

Question 2.7  

You must have adequate cash-on-hand (liquidity) to meet your financial and prudential obligations. These include an obligation to refund an older person’s accommodation payment or refundable accommodation deposit when ceasing services to that person. 

 

When assessing your request to revoke the approval of a residential care home, we need to understand how you will ensure that you meet your financial and prudential obligations up until the date of revocation. 

Your response may include:

  • the process you will use to identify and calculate the payments and refunds that you are required to make if your registration is revoked (e.g., refunds of accommodation deposits)

  • a description of how those payments and refunds will be made (e.g., timing or if you need to liquidate assets)

  • your understanding of any related notice requirements (not just notifications to us)

  • any other relevant matters.

You may include attachments to support your response (e.g., your Liquidity Management Strategy, bank statements, a current statement of financial position, documents about lines of credit).

Request to remove approved residential care home from registration

Section 1: Residential care home details
These questions relate to section 124(1)(f) of the Aged Care Act 2024

Questions 1.1 to 1.2

No additional guidance is provided for these questions. Refer to the variation form for instructions.

This question relates to sections 124(4) and (5) of the Aged Care Act 2024

Question 1.3 

For the approved residential care home to be removed from your registration and then added to the registration of another provider, we need to know the circumstances around that other provider. If the intended recipient is organisation applying to become a registered provider but has their application refused, then the home cannot be transferred. 

Section 2: Registered provider or organisation the residential care home is being transferred to
These questions relate to sections 124(4) and (5) of the Aged Care Act 2024

Questions 2.1 to 2.8 

The date that you provide in your response is the date that you intend for the transfer of the approved residential care home to take effect. However, the removal and adding of homes are decisions that will be made by us. If we decide to approve the transfer, the date that decision takes effect may be different from the date you have specified. 

Your response to question 2.8 should include:

  • circumstances around the transfer (e.g., you were looking to sell the home to raise funds, or another provider made an unsolicited offer)

  • reasons for the transfer (e.g., you are also applying to remove Category 6 from your registration)

  • how the transfer will occur (e.g., whether significant changes to the building(s) will be made)

  • any other relevant information. 

You may include attachments to support your response (e.g., sale documents). 

Section 3: Older people affected by removing residential care home from registration
These questions relate to sections 124(4) and (5) of the Aged Care Act 2024

Questions 3.1 to 3.2 

We will only make a decision to:

  • remove the approved residential care home from your registration

  • add the home to the registration of the entity you named at question 2.3

if there are appropriate arrangements in place to ensure continuity of care for older people at the home. 

To assess whether there are appropriate arrangements, we need to understand how many older people you deliver funded aged care services to at the home and how many may be affected if the home is removed from your registration.

For questions 3.1 and 3.2, the numbers you may be informed by the number of older people:

  • who are accessing funded aged care services from you at the home (including people accessing respite services) 

  • who are not currently accessing funded aged care services from you at the home but have plans to (e.g., they have reserved beds). 

These questions relate to sections 23, 124(4) and (5), and 149(g) of the Aged Care Act 2024

Questions 3.3 to 3.4

We will only make a decision to:

  • remove the approved residential care home from your registration

  • add the home to the registration of the entity you named at question 2.3

if there are appropriate arrangements in place to ensure continuity of care for older people at the home. 

 

These arrangements must be compatible with the Statement of Rights.

Your responses should describe how you will:

  • identify all relevant factors affecting the continuity of care for an older person (e.g., assessing ongoing care needs, including consulting with older people to understand their needs and perspectives)

  • engage with the provider receiving the home (e.g., in relation to the timing of transition arrangements and the sharing of records relating to an older person such as care plans)

  • identify risks and managed them (e.g., ensuring older people from culturally diverse backgrounds can continue to communicate in their preferred language).

If the provider receiving the home cannot meet the care needs for any older person at the home, you should also describe how you will:

  • support the older person to transition to another provider of aged care services to obtain the care they need (e.g., identifying alternative providers, making the older person aware of them, and empowering the older person in their choice of what services they access)

  • engage with that other provider (e.g., in relation to the timing of transition arrangements and the sharing of records relating to an older person such as care plans).

You should provide at least 3 deidentified examples of continuity of care plans for older people affected by the transfer of the home. You may also include other attachments to support your response.

This question relates to section 149 of the Aged Care Act 2024 and corresponding sections of the Aged Care Rules 2025

Question 3.5 

An older person residing at an approved residential care home has security over their tenure at the home. This means that a provider cannot take action to make the older person leave the home, or imply that they must leave the home, except under specific circumstances. 

 

You must act compatibly with an older person’s security of tenure at an approved residential care home and requirements under the Aged Care Act 2024. 

 

When assessing your application to remove a home from your registration, we need to understand how you will ensure affected older people will:

  • have security of tenure at a home maintained; or
  • be transitioned to other appropriate services. 

Your response may include how you will:

  • ensure any removal of an older person from the home is permitted under the Aged Care Act 2024 and related laws

  • ensure suitable and affordable alternative accommodation is available to the older person with another provider who can suit their needs or in a place more suited to their long-term needs

  • assess the older person’s needs 

  • notify the older person (including making their rights clear to them)

  • prepare a continuity of care plan for the older person.

Provide relevant attachments that demonstrate processes to ensure security of tenure.

This question relates to section 124(5) of the Aged Care Act 2024

Question 3.6  

You must have adequate cash-on-hand (liquidity) to meet your financial and prudential obligations. These include an obligation to refund an older person’s accommodation payment or refundable accommodation deposit when ceasing services to that person.

When assessing your application to remove an approved residential care home from your registration, we need to understand how you will ensure that you meet your financial and prudential obligations up until your intended date of the transfer. 
 

Your response may include:

  • the process you will use to identify and calculate the payments and refunds that you are required to make if your registration is revoked (e.g., refunds of accommodation deposits)

  • a description of how those payments and refunds will be made (e.g., timing or if you need to liquidate assets)

  • your understanding of any related notice requirements (not just notifications to us)

  • any other relevant matters.

You may include attachments to support your response (e.g., your Liquidity Management Strategy, bank statements, a current statement of financial position, documents about lines of credit).

 

Acknowledgement of Country

In the spirit of reconciliation, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, water and community. We pay our respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that content on this website may contain images of deceased persons.